Mood swings

What are mood swings?

Mood swings are intense, abrupt shifts in mood that can go from feeling positive and upbeat one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritable, or angry the next. We all experience natural ups and downs in mood from time to time. However, when these shifts in mood become severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, it may be a sign of an underlying mental health or medical issue that requires attention.

What causes mood swings?

There are a few potential causes of severe or long-lasting mood swings:

• Hormonal imbalances - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can trigger mood swings in both women and men. Imbalances in thyroid and adrenal hormones can also contribute. This is why mood issues often arise around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.


• Stress - High stress levels can take a major toll on mood regulation in the brain. Chronic stress exposes the brain to elevated stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt normal neurotransmitter function.


• Depression or bipolar disorder - Conditions like clinical depression and bipolar disorder are characterized by extreme, debilitating mood swings. This may alternate between deep depression and abnormally elevated mood called mania or hypomania.


• Medications - Certain prescription medications, like steroids or blood pressure drugs, list mood swings as a potential side effect. Some recreational drugs can also cause them.


• Poor diet, sleep issues, substance abuse - Insufficient sleep, blood sugar imbalances from poor diet, and alcohol/drug abuse can deplete feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin that stabilize mood.

If you are struggling with difficult mood swings that seem beyond your control, don't hesitate to seek help. A doctor can check for underlying medical conditions causing symptoms. A psychiatrist can provide therapy and medications to help regulate mood. Lifestyle changes like stress reduction techniques, exercise, proper sleep and nutrition can also make a big difference.

The hormone specialists at Vital Hormone Clinic are experts in using bioidentical hormone therapy to restore hormonal balance and relieve mood instability. Contact them today for a consultation! Their individualized treatment plans help both men and women find relief from even the most severe hormone-driven mood swings.